On utilities the plumber thought I was a little strange for asking to add a water meter to a well while he was doing some work but it has helped me identify if someone has a drippy faucet or running toilet more than once.

So the plumber does a few faucets and toilet replacements that I could easily handle so that when something busts loose on a weekend I can get him out there.

., net-7 on verified milestones) in exchange for pricing and priority.Test small jobs first; promote trades to your A-list only after on-time, on-budget performance twice.Standardize to reduce wasteCreate repeatable finish schedules (same trim profile, faucet line, paint palette) so crews work faster and leftovers are reusable.Pre-kit jobs: one delivery per room (box includes all hardware, fixtures, and consumables).Contracting disciplineUse fixed-scope, milestone-based contracts with:Progress draws tied to inspections/photosNo deposit or minimal mobilizationLien waivers at each drawDaily liquidated damages for missed deadlines (after grace period)Written change order policy with price + time impact before work proceeds2) Time: Move Faster to Reduce Carry and RiskFront-load planningWalk the property with all key trades before closing; finalize scope, bids, and schedule ahead of day 1.Pull permits early; choose scopes that avoid structural or major MEP reroutes when timelines matter.Sequencing & overlapSchedule parallel workstreams (e.g., exterior/landscaping while interior demo proceeds).Use a Gantt chart (even a simple spreadsheet) to track trade start/finish, dependencies, and buffers.Daily control15-minute stand-up with GC or project lead each morning (photos + punch list).Two inspections/week: one quality, one progress vs. schedule.Keep critical spares on hand (breakers, valves, GFCIs, common trim, extra boxes of flooring).Tech + templatesSimple tools (Google Drive + shared photo folders, or apps like Buildertrend/Jobber) for scope sheets, punch lists, and photo proof.Use QR codes in rooms linking to the finish schedule for fewer “what goes here?”

The pipes slowly corrode, you have buildup on the inside which restricts flow to the point where you don't have enough pressure at the faucets, they develop pin holes, shut off valves start leaking or seize up, so when you have to shut off water in an emergency, you can't and you are causing more damage.

Used my phone stopwatch for one minute and used their outside faucet to fill gallon containers.  8 gallons per minute at a well depth of 125 feet.  

Proactive maintenance keeps those costs at bay.It Protects and Increases Your Property Value: Think of a leaky faucet.

Air conditioners are harder because some parts may have been replaced, but using the manufacture date is usually a good starting point.Calculate the remaining useful life by subtracting years in service from the useful life:Calculate monthly provisions as follows:AC compressor: $2,500 ÷ 16 years ÷ 12 months ≈ $14/monthWater heater: $1,500 ÷ 3 years ÷ 12 months ≈ $42/monthTotal monthly provision: about $56You may have more high cost items, like roof replacement.Base MaintenanceIn addition to major components, you should plan for routine repairs—things like dripping faucets, slow drains, or minor fixes.Across the properties we manage, the five-year average for these base-level repairs is about $400 per year.

I had the back splash re-done in the kitchen, light replaced in kitchen, epoxy the countertop, painted the entire inside,  replaced the doors/hinges/handles, replaced the carpets to the stairs/2 bedrooms, replaced all ceiling lights and ceiling fan, replaced the water heater (old one was way out of date, also had my brother help me with that since he is in hvac), kitchen sink/faucet, bathroom mirrors, resurfaced the bath tub.

That leaky faucet?

From what I understand to do it right they had to completely replace the $100 set of knobs/faucet/etc. but instead what they did was take an old part of a different (but same model) system and stuck it in there leading it to leaking again.